Laura Longwell

With a fraction of the population of Malta, Gozo is much quieter and has a slower pace about it. It’s also awe-inspiring.

The true beauty of an all-inclusive resort like the Occidental Grand Xcaret Riviera Maya is that it requires almost nothing of you. The biggest decisions of the day are whether to visit the pool or the beach and where you want to have dinner.

The lead up to a trip is usually filled with fun anticipation. But it’s a time for planning, too, to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as it can. This checklist will help ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your vacation.

Our expectations were high. Unfortunately, our experience didn’t measure up.

A towering 1000-year-old cathedral, millions of lights, the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread—these are the things that make the Aachen Christmas market.

Dancing fairy lights, the scent of sweet treats, and children laughing as they learn to skate—these are the hallmarks of the winter season in the Netherlands and just a few of the things that make visiting the Amsterdam Christmas markets so much fun.

Graz, Austria, is a low-key city packed with Christmas markets in easy walking distance and decked out with nativity scenes and lovely lights.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, comes alive with a joyful energy at Christmas. Festivity seems to be everywhere—in decorations and in the great events in that happen during the season.

In the winter, it feels like the entire old town of Luxembourg City becomes a Christmas market.

Markets don’t get more unique than Valkenburg Christmas market in the Netherlands. Primarily set within two historic caves, this popular holiday attraction draws visitors from all over.